graciepoo12002

My husband and I will celebrate our 25th anniversary next year and want to splurge on an Italian vacation (our first). We want to go on a tour for our first trip. Any suggestions for a good 14 day all inclusive trip--eg meals/tours/hotel.
Thanks for your help!!!

sandi_travelnut

Italy is a big country, have you narrowed it down yet to a few cities? Your first choice should be what cities you want the tours to encompass then look for companies that can accomodate that. For example, a major tour company could offer services in Venice, Florence and Rome which are ususally the "top 3" cities people see first.

I would also suggest doing a search on the forum for "Italian tours" or "tours in Italy".

takemealong

Try to select an itinerary that spends at least two nights in most places so that you don't feel that you are always packing & unpacking. It's nice if the tour allows you at least a half day on your own in the major cities. That way you can explore on your own, hit some sights that aren't included in the tour package, or do some shopping.

annhig

Hi gracie,

congrats! what a lovely idea - and I do sympathise with the desire to do your first trip via a tour.

however, if you browse this forum, you'll find lots of people who have taken the decision to do even thier first trip without the tour "security blanket" and were pleased that they did. with the internet, it is so easy to book your accommodation in advance, and it is usually in better locations than the places the tours take you to. plus you can have breakfast when YOU want, dinner when and where you choose etc. make the trips you want to do.

as for flights, there are a number of very knowledgeable fodorites who will help you find the best deals.

in 14 days, you could do 3-4 places comfortably and should aim for a mix of town and country. for example, you could fly into Venice, [the most romantic place to arrive in] stay 3 nights, pick up a car, drive to Tuscany, spend a few nights in a B & B in the countryside [with a day trip to Florence perhaps], then drive to Orvieto, and train to Rome for the end of your trip.

or fly to Rome, spend a few says there, then train to the amalfi coast and spend the rest of your time there. you have plenty of time to work out whre you would like to go.

but PLEASE don't try to see it all in one go - that's the best way to endure you won't want to go back!

whether you are going to do this yourselves, or get a tour, you still need to know where you want to go - a good place to start is Rick Steves' book on Italy. He also does tours which some people on this forum have liked.

good luck with whatever you decide,

regards, ann

Margaretlb

gracie, my mom and a friend did a 14 night Globus tour in late fall 2005 and had a wonderful time. They visited regions from the Amalfi Coast north to Lake Como (day trip from Milan, only). If I recall, her itinery spent at least two nights in each stop except Assisi was one night and Rome was a total of 4. It is incredible all the sights she saw. Yes, it was up and out early and the days were long but she loved it. Most meals were included and the bus was luxurious. Although mom was 74 at the time, most of the others were in their late 40's to 50's.

ira

Hi G,

2 weeks in Italy - Venice, Florence, Rome - is extremely easy to do on your own.

You will be on your own schedule, you won't have to go to overpriced shops, and you will save money.

azzure

Others here will certainly disagree, but I think Rick Steves offers some of the best tours out there. They're not cheap, but it's a pleasure to have the group size limited (max. 26 people in a 52 seat bus), and to have all your admissions, breakfasts and half your dinners provided. You have to schlep your own luggage (only one bag per person allowed), but you meet a lot of like-minded folks on these tours. We did the 14 day Best of Europe tour in 2006 and it was great. The company offers several all-Italy itineraries.

Tess_Durberville

I've not used their services, however look here >>>
http://www.tuscanytours.com

This weekend I got my college alumni newsletter and read about this company. The owner of Tuscany Tours (Sam Hilt) ia a fellow alumnus (graduated in different year) and from looking on their website, it looks like they offer a wonderful package.